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PrestigeTop DressageDressage Saddles

Purchase: I have always been a die hard Jumper rider but secretly rode dressage for years. I finally broke down and bought a dressage saddle when I took up Eventing . I found this Prestige Top dressage saddle on eBay and paid about $1500.00. It was only 6 months old and my friends told me that it was a well made saddle. I had never ridden in a dressage saddle before.

Likes: The saddle was beautiful. The leather rich and supple. It was a medium-wide tree (I think 33 or 34 cm) and it fit my mare perfectly. Riding her in it was an absoulte dream.
The saddle balances the rider perfectly (if it fits the horse). The knee rolls are large and the seat quite deep.

Dislikes: When I put this saddle on my 3 year old, it was a whole different story. I hated it. I fell forward all the time and the seat was very hard. I don't fault the saddle because it didn't fit my gelding but I wished it was a bit more flexible. Both horses are similarly built and I do not have this problem with my jumping saddles, which are built on a spring tree. I do not know what kind of tree the Prestige Top is made out of but it is definately not a spring tree!
The leather, although beautiful and soft, is very slippery. There is no "grippiness" to it at all.
The saddle has a medium twist (as opposed to narrow). I prefer a narrow twist.

Quality: The saddle is top of the line Italian construction. The leather is top quality. I have ridden in it for over a year and there are no rub marks or leather fading yet. The stitching is excellent. The leathers are showing some fraying and cracking (especially on the side I tighten the girth) but I think this is normal wear and tear.

Summary: Bottom line = a luxurious saddle and worth the money if you find a nice second hand model. I am not sure I would pay full price for it, which is around $2800. If it fits you and the horse, it will be worth every penny. If it doesn't fit, you are stuck. There is simply no compromise with this saddle. I tried every pad made on Earth and it still didn't fit my gelding. But if you love your Italian leather shoes, you will love this saddle!